Southern Illinois University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Murray State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Murray State University than Southern Illinois University ($10,182 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 10% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,112 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $3,434 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.8% higher at Murray State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $6,502 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($14,178 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois University or Murray State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Murray State University and Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Murray State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.